We all view things differently

Many rural/urban landscapes, while a fire risk, are beautiful. In many cases this beauty is the reason why people choose to live in these areas, despite the risk.

The Bushfire CRC's Fire Note 121 describes a pilot research project which applied the process of ‘place mapping’, a new approach for fire and land management agencies, to gain a better understanding of how communities in rural/urban areas perceive native vegetation in the context of their landscape. Examples include assisting agencies to understand why communities might oppose fuel reduction burning, and why they may not undertake fire mitigation measures that are encouraged by agencies.

A case study for this research was undertaken in the southern Grampians.

Results from the research show that the place mapping process can provide community members with a mechanism through which to communicate their perspectives on the landscape. It further shows place mapping is an additional tool fire and land management agencies can use to better work with communities to take action to reduce bushfire risk.

Want to know more about the research after you have read the Fire Note? Researchers have developed a place mapping process and guide for how to engage with your community about fire management. See the guide, along with short videos with the researchers and workshop participants about how the approach works and what to expect at www.bushfirecrc.com/fuels-and-risk. The final report for this project is also available on the Bushfire CRC website.

Fire Notes are research summaries in easy to understand language from the Bushfire CRC, which is conducting research into the social, environmental and economic impacts of bushfires. Fire Notes are a great way to access Bushfire CRC research and to gain an understanding of how you can benefit from the science, as well as apply the findings. Fire Notes now have new features, including topics covered by the research, the ability to share straight to social media and activities to help you get the most out of each Fire Note. Read more about these new additions.